Hot off their 4-0 win over the Melbourne Heart last weekend, the Brisbane Roar are looking at their away game with Perth Glory as a chance to back up strong form at home and consolidate their place on the table with their first win on the road this season.
One of the standout sides in the start to the 2010/11 Hyundai A-League season, the Roar sit second on the ladder and after taking three wins and draw at home, coach Ange Postecolgou’s sites are now set on bettering an away record of two draws and a loss.
“Training’s been good again this week and I guess having a good win lifts everyone a little week, but it’s been a normal week for us with everyone training hard,” Postecoglou said.
“Every week you have your challenges and we haven’t won away from home yet.”
“We’ve had a couple of good performances away. We were good against the Gold Coast and certainly competitive against Newcastle, but obviously if we want to capitalise on our good home-form we have to pick up points away.”
Ivan Franjic will make his return to live action this weekend when he fronts up for the Roar in the Youth League, while Jean Carlos Solorzano is certain to be available after the international break.
With the return of Franjic and Solorzano, competition for places in the side will be pushed to a premium, as the Roar’s current starters face strong challenges from the likes of Mitch Nichols, Rocky Visconte and the uncapped James Meyer who have all furthered their claims in recent weeks.
“We’ve got some competition for places, which is what we wanted,” said Postecoglou.
“Mitch came on and was fantastic last week, Rocky Visconte came on and did a good job, and that’s what we’ve needed.”
“After we get over this game on the weekend we’ve got that whole series of games where we’re going to have to rely on the whole side to let us through.”
“Both in and out of the starting 11 we’ve got players that are starting to feel good about their football.”
Confident of his side’s ability to exploit any A-League team with pace, pressure and aggression, Postecoglou is nevertheless wary of the Glory side that, after an impressive start to the season, have seen their credibility take a hit on the back of three consecutive losses.
“Everyone will go through a rough trot, it just depends when you go through it and how quickly you come out – I don’t think any team will go through the season flying,” said Postecolgou.
“I’m sure they’ll be desperate, but there’s no doubt they’re a quality side and at home they get good crowds – it’s a great atmosphere and it’ll be a big challenge for us.”
